Supreme Court of India criticizes states over menstrual hygiene implementation

The Supreme Court of India has expressed displeasure regarding the failure of states and Union territories to respond to the central government concerning the implementation of a landmark judgment on menstrual hygiene.

On January 30, the apex court ruled that menstrual health is a facet of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. During a recent hearing, a bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan questioned how the fundamental right would be realized if the court's directives remain merely on paper.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that while the Union of India has sought information from states and Union territories on how the judgment is being enacted, they have yet to respond. The court emphasized the importance of the ruling, particularly for young girls in remote areas who may miss education due to menstrual hygiene challenges, and directed the Union to engage seriously with each state and Union territory.